HELP - Can The Truth Really Set Us Free?

the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth...

can the truth be found in a courtroom?

let's just buy a new version of truth shall we?

No, this is not to suggest that my truth should become your truth. Simply, it is to ask your opinion or offer a few thoughts to contemplate the concept that if any part of “what really happened” was revealed from all perspectives, would it free us? If the little secrets or frailties we hide could be easily seen, would our burdens be lighter? If ‘what goes around comes around’, could our justifications cause greater pain in the future? Conversely, if we become ‘masters of disguise’, can we manipulate the world however we want?

If you have ever spent time in a courtroom, this question becomes ever prominent. People swear to do just that: “tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth” and then proceed unconscionably to lie through their teeth. Do they believe they will escape justice and remain “free”? Was O.J.’s example deemed as verifiable truth that nothing is wrong unless caught? Alternatively, even if caught, are our actions perfectly OK with enough money to buy a new version of truth?

MY ROCK!

MY RIGHT!

Someone recently said the older he gets, the more he believes there is no black or white, only varying shades of grey. I still wonder if his point of view shows greater tolerance and compassion, or is born from his own essential need to squelch unwarranted doubt and judgment thus, muddling his integrity.

True, those who stand on their “I am right” rocks, with clear black or white lenses seem the most impatient and unsympathetic of all. At least though, there are fewer confused, surprising backlashes when dealing with them.

Have you ever been struck with a realization of how your past misinterpretations or mistakes caused others pain? They say the path to failure is paved with good intentions. Once we become more aware and able to see how unruly or selfish we acted, even we have a tough time re-explaining those past grey, muddled “good intentions” don’t we?

Is anger ever justifiable?

The “Upside of Anger” movie shows the full wrath of a woman scorned. Detailed is what each of her children were forced to endure while she “justly” expressed her anger caused by the betrayal of her husband leaving without an explanation. Despite drinking to dull her senses, she maintained her rigid, unyielding expectations of what others were “supposed to do”. Her children attempted to move forward, coping and finding their own paths in life. Unlike the norm in real life, she angrily expressed her dictates, then watched calmly as they did what they wanted anyway. She was too weak and hurt to enforce a foundation that had already crumbled. Would the truth set her free? Would it fit with her version of what was “right”?

just walk away...

how far would we have to walk to avoid anyone who might reveal our "hidden truths"?

Faith and Doubt - hand in hand...

Lillian Smith QuotesLillian Smith: "Faith and doubt both are needed - not as antagonists, but working side by side to take us around the unknown curve".

The man I mentioned earlier harbors a secret that could destroy his career and thus his “truth” remains buried. Those who would destroy him have their own beliefs of how he “should be”, which they deem more true than his hidden reality. Is our integrity then merely another shade of grey if our truth might interfere with our goals?

Through the years, many people, especially my daughter, have chided me for being “too open”, “too honest”, “too trusting”, “too forgiving” and “too determined to see the opportunity of a crisis” (in other words, “too optimistic”). To me these are essential values for integrity, but that is my integrity, not theirs or hers. She believes we ought to just walk away from someone who hurt us or we deem potentially ‘hazardous to our health’ or in the way of our goals. With an additional 30 years of experience on her, I figure I would have to keep walking to the ends of the earth and beyond to avoid such people, confrontations, or “tests”. Yet there is a part of me that questions, is she right? Where is the line?

our level of truth revealed...

YIKES

What if we all had some sort of history revealing device everyone could view? Would we be ostracized or isolated for our past mistakes and not knowing any better? Today’s teenagers are warned about just such a possibility for the hormonal or immature exploits they post on MySpace, Facebook or any social sites for that matter. Were all potential employers perfect teachers' pets? Moreover, what if the teenagers could as easily view the history of a potential employer? Is there ANYONE they would willingly work for?

So many people struggle to pretend in hopes of portraying how right they are as if “perfect”. As has been written, “I know I know nothing”, the older I get the more imperfect I feel. That is not to say I have not gained wisdom, or that my current definition of perfect does not allow for a lot of leeway [see: You Are Perfect]. It is just an admission that despite what I believe to be true, I accept that I could still be wrong.

Personally, I think it would be great to be able to access “absolute truth” to gauge how aware or unenlightened my actions or thoughts are at any given moment, on any given subject. Would I be judged as “less than” in certain areas? Undoubtedly. Might my reality limit future possibilities? I believe it would close as many doors as it would open. Would I feel as guilty as the woman in the “Upside of Anger” surely did when she found her husband dead at the bottom of an old well on their property? I would hope so. Could I forgive myself and hope that others were equally as forgiving? If such a guarantee existed, this hub would surely be redundant.

more than half of our communications are revealed subconsciously

One thing I do know for sure, whether we want to believe our secrets are indiscernible or not, the absolute truth is that there are people more aware than we are - in all areas. Through simple exercises such as body language and/or understanding the subconscious mind, many can indeed see our contradictions, results, misinterpretations, mistakes, hurtful behaviors, and levels of enlightenment or awareness in our actions, histories, or words.

Therefore, I ask, if your history, behaviors, or levels of awareness were revealed to the world, would you still feel “right”, or would you be lost in a muddled shade of grey? If blatant contradictions revealed a lack of integrity, would you welcome change? Would the whole truth help you feel less burdened and freer?

Or are you about to walk away?

Integrity guage

Might as well have fun with it - there's no "right or wrong" - depending on our level of awareness :)

Only a naive Idealist believes in total honesty

Deception is a must in this judgmental world

I'd be more open if everyone could forgive more easily

Integrity is too tough a path to stick to

Of course I should walk away from anyone who doesn't have only my interests at heart

I like having my limiting beliefs questioned - it helps me grow

I don't believe people can really tell what absolute truth is - it changes

I'm always right

We have to stand for something, or we'll fall for anything... (easy out for "grey" chickens)

Comments

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sending

alembic1981

9 years agofrom Santa Cruz, CA

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

I am glad I was made free and not set free.

AUTHOR

SEM Pro

9 years agofrom North America

Hi Kim :) Thank you for sharing your light and beliefs. I wouldn't ever "de-friend" anyone who offers the light of love and gives with the intention and desire to help others. Your biblical quotes are appreciated. Often, in this school of duality (earth), circumstances make it difficult to rise above opposite views or the 'stones in our path' - seeing them as opportunities for true understanding, self awareness and growth. Sounds as though we are in complete agreement that the truth does indeed set us free to feel "lighter" :)

Thank you for stopping by - God bless through love and light :)

Kim Garcia

9 years ago

Thank you for this thought provoking Hub. I am a seeker of Truth and seek the absolute truth on every subject and level. I'm a true believer in the Word of God and try to live daily by His precepts set for us in Biblical Scripture. I'm sure if you've read my Hubs, you know this already. But the verse "The Truth Will Set You Free;" is referring to Jesus as "The Truth." As it states in John 8:32;

"I am the Way, Truth and Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

By the acceptance and belief in Jesus Christ, and by reading His Word, as it states John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 14.) "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us," Which of course refers to (Jesus). Do we fully understand "Truth." As the Word is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and is the discerner of thoughts and intents of the heart." He is the Light of the World, and if we live in His light, His Truths are revealed to us without question.

The world at large has provided their own precepts and versions of truths by which we should live, with disregard to God's Truth and Wisdom. And this is why I believe that many only see truth through a poor reflection as through a glass, darkly; 1 Cor. 13:12, as many are living by their own standard of truth which is not truth at all, but deception. Thank you SEM Pro for posting this Hub, and I am sorry; I did not mean to preach.....as it is not my nature to preach on other's Hubs, but for some reason this particular post ignited a flame. I pray you do not de-friend me after this. Peace n' Blessings!! `K

AUTHOR

SEM Pro

9 years agofrom North America

Profound wisdom metaphysician! So many lost souls - moving too fast to know themselves, or care. Thank you for reading and commenting. I appreciate you :)

metaphysician

9 years ago

Realizin the truth only could be achieved when a person has slowed down in his life and takes time to contemplate. The lives that we live in this tech era, is ever fast and changing. They call it IT era because of 'Infinite Travelling' and thus people lost themselves in it.

Thanks for this.

AUTHOR

SEM Pro

9 years agofrom North America

Very well stated dear Sir! Glad you stopped by to read :) and of course, to add your wisdom.

JacdaBear

9 years ago

You are right in what you say.. One commentary I would like to add is that although the truth can set you free, quite often life gets in the way and it takes a lot longer to realize that you are free, but when you do....What a Glorious Feeling!!!!

AUTHOR

SEM Pro

9 years agofrom North America

Thank you for visiting Sciantel - I will check your hubs. I too have been blessed to be saved - even more so to bear witness to His power and grace through faith and surrender. I no longer have Lupus. My testimony is given in: https://hubpages.com/education/OVERCOMING-LUPUS-an... . Without strong belief, there is little we can overcome - with it, there is nothing He cannot heal.

Sciantel

9 years ago

I am a born again Christian and I know that Jesus' Truth has set me free and all others who follow after Him. Come see my hubs if you like. Someone told me you have Lupus too.

AUTHOR

SEM Pro

9 years agofrom North America

Thanks Brenda - very glad you enjoyed it! So many added their own valuable life lessons/truth. Makes it very special - to me for sure - perhaps to many others too. Appreciate you stopping by and commenting :)

\Brenda Scully

9 years ago

Truth is sometimes I dont know what is true and what is not true anymore, sure did enjoy the hub though.... brilliant

AUTHOR

SEM Pro

9 years agofrom North America

As are yours D. Through our conversations both here and on other hubs, perhaps we found that profound "purpose", "line" or individualized "absolute truth".

We have unique traits and all are good until taken to extremes - that's when not only others have a tough time dealing with us, but we ourselves begin to struggle as well. This then helps me understand the "too" of any positive value, the unyielding "rock" of any opinion.

Contention and the onset of "dis-ease" are created in the absence of moderation...

roseflr : understand that as we grow, yesterday’s decisions won’t be as wise as today’s

James A Watkins : There is an absolute truth, strive to know it, strive to live it but accept that part of knowing is that as humans, we will miss the mark at times.

I*n*v*i*c*t*u*s : We are not defined by what has transpired in our lives but that our triumphs through adversities are our opportunities to rise to another level with each other’s help

Hawkesdream : know the truth, do your best by it, be honest, and if there’s doubt when dealing with others, apply integrity

Lisa HW : Forgiveness is the key if a person meant well and if there’s a victim, a sincere apology will bring a little mental peace.

Untenable situations make a perfect choice impossible

Be wary of assumptions without concrete evidence and bring in a 3rd party to moderate if applicable.

Sanju / hilltrekker : When you find words that make you rethink the truth from the voice of your soul –

Post them on the wall

WOW friends! Thank you all so much for heeding my call for help.

There is a whole lot of wisdom and truth here!

With your awareness and integrity intact, you are true leaders in your willingness to share.

I am indeed less burdened and peacefully freer :)

with a chosen spot on my wall to post your words…

Are we missing anything?

marinealways24

9 years ago

"I knew I needed a daily reminder to "be" balanced - to get off the merry-go-round once in awhile and simply feel grateful and tranquil."

Truly excellent words. Your perspective has shown me the importance of "moderation". This is the reason I value all perspectives. What I may not see others may see, What others may not see, I may see.

Your words are much appreciated, Thank You.

AUTHOR

SEM Pro

9 years agofrom North America

I too keep returning to the desire to find "the" ultimate answer and purpose D. Perhaps the absolute truth is that there are many answers and we each have our own truths to share/purpose and reasons for being created. From what I know of you, you're closer to these answers than you give yourself credit for.

As you point out: the negative helps us appreciate the positive, the lows help us appreciate the highs, and the breaks help us see new perspectives and answers when we return to intense analyzation.

Your lessons, your perspectives, your comments and your writing help so many others as they seek to find their way on new avenues. In my eyes, there's a huge purpose and reason for being right there. Your determination to find more answers is another way your light shines as a leader.

For years my email has been "balancedjourneys" not because I'm always in balance, but because I knew I needed a daily reminder to "be" balanced - to get off the merry-go-round once in awhile and simply feel grateful and tranquil. Without the calm, the answers or wisdom I wanted to share could only be received by those who were also flying by on the merry-go-round at full speed. I'd have to throw them and hope they were caught until I finally realized one of the answers I wanted to share and that they needed, was to hop off, relax, smell the roses, go to the gym - give yourself permission to just "be" now and again - it feels good :)

marinealways24

9 years ago

Hello Sem,

"I still cannot find happiness when I cannot find point."

I have too many unanswered questions. Why were we created? What is ultimate point of life?

When you used the gardening example, this was very helpful. I was at a point where I was going to the gym on a daily basis. Lifting weights took my mind off of my questions. This posed the question: If I'm doing things to ease my mind from thinking of the unknown, maybe it will allow me to be more appreciative of the known. If I focused on easing mind from thinking, would I not be limiting my mind? These are the circles I run.

AUTHOR

SEM Pro

9 years agofrom North America

Maybe I don't know what you mean by "finding point". Trying to feel better by saying I have it better than many hasn't ever worked for me D. I do find a huge difference from jotting down what does feel good when I am there and then returning to that through a trigger or memory, or journal.

For example, for me, scents are a huge trigger. I love gardening, cooking, and pretty much anything that smells glorious - puts a smile on my face. Knowing this, when I'm down, I'll start making lavender wands, or put on some aromatherapy, or head to the kitchen and start baking. One time I canned for over 2 weeks to overcome what could have been a huge sinking spell. As the aromas wafted through my nostrils, I couldn't have stopped smiling if I'd wanted to...

I don't know what your triggers are but I'll bet you love something you may not be looking at as a potential activity to elevate your spirits. It's so much easier to replace something rather than attempt to eliminate it. i.e. skeets shooting or archery require pure focus. As a marine, undoubtedly you have that focus and feel great about it but haven't considered setting those up as a hobby or distraction. Some love photography and could decide to create a portfolio or album as a distraction. Whatever it is you're passionate about can be what you take up to replace trying to overcome or "not do" something else. Just a thought but in the science of it, that's what works for me.

Please do explain "determine point" for me. Maybe together we can come up with something that will be of greater help?

marinealways24

9 years ago

Hello,

"Then, when down, head to the long list of positives and pick one"

When I am down, I tell myself to stop whining and realize how easy I have things compared to others. Reminding myself to be appreciative, this only works to an extent. I still cannot find happiness when I cannot find point. Maybe when I determine point, things will be better.

Thanks for the kind words.

AUTHOR

SEM Pro

9 years agofrom North America

Powerful Dori! Sincere congratulations and thank you so much for sharing your success. My brother too is now free from medication. All his life people kept saying "you have to take your meds!!!" The meds weren't working for him - he too just felt like a zombie. Complete surrender is what worked for him - he's now a changed and wonderful guy.

Unfortunately my mom seemed to get many diseases before they knew how to treat them. She suffered shock treatment for manic depression through anti-depressants for Fibromyalgia. After being the guinea pig for so many drugs, she now has Picks and they keep her so medicated, she no longer feels anything at all.

My family members are why my search for alternatives began. It's taken most of my life to accept that no matter what I found, the decision to try it, or do it, or use it was entirely their choice to make. Strange how people trust drugs and doctors so much more easily.

I'd love to know what triggered your decision to learn and trust your coping skills. Although I now know that too is a personal choice, I'll never stop asking and wanting to learn the "whys".

fortunerep

9 years agofrom North Carolina

Sem, I was just referring to myself about the bipolar bit, the truth is people ar over medicated and it wasnt until I learned Good coping skills before I decided to quit taking all the meds that were too dangerous anyway. The truth set me free, I was a walking zombie.

dori

AUTHOR

SEM Pro

9 years agofrom North America

You are the ultimate decision maker in what is "supposed to be" for you marinealways. I share much in the hubs on "de-stressing" because the core of 95% of dis-ease is stress. When diagnosed with cancer, I knew even metaphysical awareness of the cause(s) couldn't help me out of the funk or change my reality quick enough.

I've known folks that have made me consider spending time to get pot legalized (with no inherent side-effects) because with it, they felt joyous within and to be around. Without, I was as frightened as they were of what could trigger the unusual.

Sometimes, analyzing or even understanding the root cause is counter-productive. The key is to find what food, herbs, or actions (i.e. meditating) work for you personally to feel better. "What we focus on grows" - that's the simple side of it. Focusing on the negative root, most assuredly won't increase the positive, euphoric or calm and peaceful feelings we seek.

Setting aside time to allow your analytical nature to thrive, and balancing it with an equal amount of time refining or practicing what makes you feel happy might help enhance the feeling of being in charge of you. Then, when down, head to the long list of positives and pick one. At least, that's what I do and why I posted the gratitude log. I head there daily when challenged with any less than positive circumstances. The dance is almost guaranteed to at least bring a smile.

Thanks for sharing and if I can help with your quest for more positive in your life, don't hesitate to ask. That is after all, what you offer and bring to me :)

marinealways24

9 years ago

Glad you said it. I believe it's very true but wouldn't want anyone to toss their drugs without having taken many steps to already ensure mental strength and a degree of success.

I must say, I am supposed to take anti-depressants everyday. I do not take them like I am supposed to. I am the most analytical person I know. I have analyzed every thought in search of my unhappiness. The root continues to evade me. When I am not on my "happy pills", I am a wreck to be around. I am highly irritable, I am not happy with life. It's hard for me to be happy with something when I cannot find ultimate point. When on the pills, they help around 50% with my thoughts. The pills blind the reality I see to an extent. They allow me to focus more on the good parts of life and takes away my focus on the bad parts. I do believe medicine is needed in some cases, I just believe it's often misdiagnosed for some.

AUTHOR

SEM Pro

9 years agofrom North America

Great wisdom Dori! Then we few who have chosen to still believe that the truth does set us free, must not shyly rest in our laurels. The world needs to hear our messages to bring more into the fold. When more recognize that honesty, without exploitation of our fellow beings, rewards with liberty, we can all be freer.

Amazing that you mention how worse drugs can affect those with Bi-polar disorder. All night I pondered whether or not I ought to have included something like "on drugs, determination and strength to overcome are diminished". Glad you said it. I believe it's very true but wouldn't want anyone to toss their drugs without having taken many steps to already ensure mental strength and a degree of success.

We read in the news all the time where children suffer and/or die because their parents hold tightly to a religious belief and refuse to give their kids doctor's care or drugs. I don't think anyone is helped by attempting to dictate or impose our own beliefs on them. We must nurture and appeal to their reasoning. Children can adopt subconscious beliefs through the emotional realities of their parents - even in the womb. Therefore when children are sick, the parents often don't realize that if they were to change their own beliefs, it might help the child's healing tremendously.

Anyway, this may be a topic of a different color, for a different hub... Thank you for stopping by and commenting :)

fortunerep

9 years agofrom North Carolina

SemPro- Great hub, First of all People with Bipolar can control it, it is the doctors and the pills that makes it worse.

Truth is what an individual's perception of it. Such as OJ, Some people whouldn't know the truth if it slapped them in the face. We have to make a choice to be the few who still believe that the truth will set us free. Although, it is hard sometimes to tell the difference.

dori

AUTHOR

SEM Pro

9 years agofrom North America

It is sooooo great to see you back on hp Sanju. I gather your site still has a gliche? Perhaps it was meant to be - as such a lovely published and recognized poet, your name ought to be seen!

Thank you so much for your kind words and if you are going to post that phrase on your wall, please add:

"The absolute truth is that there are people more aware than we are - in all areas. Just as we have been blessed to experience and learn, sharing our wisdom may shed light on those seeking from a darker place."

Thank you for stopping by and commenting Sanju! I am so glad we've stayed in touch on fb!

Sanju

9 years ago

Again a wonderful hub, Sem. Each word makes the reader rethink about truth. These words spoke of the voice of my soul:-

"the absolute truth is that there are people more aware than we are - in all areas."

I am going to paste these words on my wall

"

AUTHOR

SEM Pro

9 years agofrom North America

"For those who are insane, would you say their "program" has absolute power over their thoughts and logic?"

Depends on the level of sanity or dementia I suppose. Being intimately familiar with a few who are bi-polar, I know their programs are off the wall obvious when experiencing extremes (pun intended). Any programs that interfere with our peace however, are all in the extreme. I don't believe any programs or anything else can truly harm when in moderation.

I love the movie "A Beautiful Mind" - the Nobel Prize winner Nash beats schizophrenia, a disease of the mind, with his mind. So, it might also depend on the strength, commitment and determination of the individual - as it does with sane folks. In a word to answer your question then, no.

I'm a firm believer that if you leave it up to the doctor, you're on pills and they can do more harm than good - just as in the movie. Most don't choose to do it themselves though, which is undoubtedly a lack of trusting themselves or fear. Programs are old thought habits and habits can be very tough to break.

Perhaps we're all the same. Just as in the old saying, "Everyone's crazy but thee and thou. And thou is a bit crazy too" lol

marinealways24

9 years ago

"our "programs" more often rule than our conscious thoughts."

For those who are insane, would you say their "program" has absolute power over their thoughts and logic?

"I believe intention is a key as well." Agreed. It's irrational to expect good results with bad intentions.

AUTHOR

SEM Pro

9 years agofrom North America

Thanks so much for the thumbs up then marinealways! Just finished responding to the email too - maybe you have a suggestion?

So true on the "truth button". Training in both public speaking and sales for a long time, it's become automatic to read any contradictory signs. That might have something to do with being into Kineseology too though - One Brain is about helping folks break through their emotional blocks by reading the body. Its a little different but all have to do with trusting the subconscious because whether we like it or not, our "programs" more often rule than our conscious thoughts.

I believe intention is a key as well. Think I may write something on that because it helps tremendously on our paths of integrity

marinealways24

9 years ago

Hello, Glad I made a little sense, it's been a loooong day.

"That prevents just saying what I think someone wants to hear as well."

This you just stated may be the "biggest root" of why people lie. Some will sacrifice pride for false glory.

One way that we do have a "truth button" is reading facial expressions. Unless someone is schooled on the psychology of public speaking, they will give away the truth without words.

Thank You, I gave a Thumbs Up!

I just figured out the thumbs up thing today. Learn something new each day.

AUTHOR

SEM Pro

9 years agofrom North America

Thank you for taking the time to read and comment marinealways - I truly value your opinion. "honesty along with forgiveness go hand and hand" - wow, wonderful concise phrase to keep in mind. Even knowing how honest I insist on being, hadn't ever thought of this when I struggle to forgive myself for not having known better. Most "liars" do lie to themselves from my experience but again accurate - they are all insufferably arrogant. Dont' believe I've known a single drunk who called the cops - 3rd good point so yes, you made a lot of sense.

My philosophy in life is that if my word isn't gold, what am I good for? That prevents just saying what I think someone wants to hear as well. I always analyze my intention because I know, 100% intention = 100% results and there's no relationship worth anything without trust.

You are welcome and again, thank you :)

marinealways24

9 years ago

Hello, Excellent Job.

I believe honesty along with forgiveness go hand and hand. You could not truly forgive yourself for a mistake if you lied to yourself could you?

I believe Ego prevents a lot of people from being honest. Arrogance along with ego are 2 of our biggest flaws. If someone is arrogant, they could believe they do no wrong. Someone will lie to protect their "image".

I do believe always displaying honesty can keep a clear conscious. If you are constantly lying, guilt will most likely affect your conscious and actions.

I believe this is how the majority think. I would relate this to a drunk driver calling the cops to report himself for driving drunk. Not sure if I made any sense, I enjoyed reading though.

Thank You

AUTHOR

SEM Pro

9 years agofrom North America

I agree with you to an extent FelineP, yet I believe there are certain things we are meant to, hopefully, overcome i.e. greed, vanity, anger, attachment to possessions etc. Learning the truth of whether these are right or wrong, whether or not we leave victims in our wake or expand our compassion and love is the reason we're here is it not?

This might depend on a person's belief system. If someone chooses not to believe in reincarnation, karma, that we have a soul or anything similar, then they could go on rising to the top in this material life on the backs of those they've trodden on, abused, manipulated and exploited. Would we consider a person like that to have any degree of awareness or know "the truth"?

Feline Prophet

9 years ago

'Truth' can be very subjective. My truth is not necessarily someone else's...we each will view things based on our conditioning and perspective. What then is the real truth?

AUTHOR

SEM Pro

9 years agofrom North America

So true I*n*v*i*c*t*u*s ! I believe "through the strife we rise above". If I keep wanting or trying to protect her, I'll inhibit her growth. Oh that we could give our children the wisdom of age. Unfortunately, they just won't take it from us...

Thank you Hawkesdream - why complicate life right? Thank you for adding the simplicity of true understanding:)

Lisa I enjoy and thank you for your thorough comment as well. I can tell you are the type of person who doesn't intentionally hurt anyone else and thus, any truth revealed would undoubtedly go back to roseflr's quote - you did the best you could and if hindsight proved that was wrong, OK - let's do it differently next time.

You bring to light a huge and important difference in it all as well. If lies or the truth is covered up, inevitably there is a victim who suffers. That raises the question of whether or not to step in to protect a victim - which goes against not "pushing to help another see enlightenment" as I*n*v*i*c*t*u*s shared. Perhaps very different scenarios...

As you all might be able to deduce, I'm doing my best not to ask about a very specific situation - which is extremely difficult for my "too open, too honest" self :( Your comments are helping though and I thank you so much! I'm sure they'll shed some light for others as well :)

Lisa HW

9 years agofrom Massachusetts

Thoughtful Hub, and all through it a few of my own beliefs kept cropping up: It has always kind of bothered me that people have that saying about how, when it comes to truth, "there's one side, there's the other side, and then there's the truth". If little Jason is minding his business, and little Freddy comes in and whacks him with a book for no reason there's likely to be a fight. If some adult comes in and uses that "one side/other side" approach to the truth that adult will be very wrong. If Jason said, "I didn't do anything to make him do that" his "side" of the story would be correct.

I find it very disturbing that in courts "the truth doesn't matter, and it only matters who wins" because when the truth is smothered and lies told in order to "save" someone, someone else will become victims of the lies.

I think most people's giant mess-ups that hurt someone else are those "good-intentions" things. People do mean well, and they operate only on what they think (because there's no way to truly know what's right for the other person). As bad as the big mess-ups that hurt someone else are, when they happen because someone truly "meant well", I think require forgiveness. (And I don't think the "guilty person" should have to fear the truth. I think it's still better to be open about a giant mess-up than to create lies to cover it up. Mess-ups are human. Living with a covered up and damaging mess up of someone makes having been "victimized" more difficult. Having it addressed and getting a sincere apology and explanation can give the victim a little "mental peace".

As for me, with the exception of a few stupid screw-ups when I was a kid, I have no problem with being open about my actions. Like most people, there are things I've handled in a way that later turned out to lead to my struggling with guilt over not knowing better; but I wouldn't care who knew those things, because I was in an untenable situation that made making the "perfect" choices impossible.

With regard to the "I'm right" thing, I think people need to use something like courts' rules-of-evidence before being sure they're right. If it's raining out, and they say it's raining out, they know they're right because the evidence is there. If a relative leaves a marriage and someone else says "they weren't willing to put in the effort", that kind of statement is most often an assumption that isn't based on "concrete evidence" - and that's the kind of "right" people need to be wary of.

James A Watkins

9 years agofrom Chicago

Oh no! That is not what I mean. We absolutely should live by it&mdash;but with the knowledge that we will all fall short. The striving is required in a good person, IMO.

Hawkesdream

9 years agofrom Cornwall

We all have a choice, total honesty..sometimes this can be harmful to others, integrity is then applied. I think that if you know the truth and do your best by it, no one can ask for more.

I*n*v*i*c*t*u*s

9 years ago

LOL! I was the stubborn rock for my mum as well!! I am sure it must be tough...my son is still young and adorable. I can surely imagine that it is difficult to see your child making choices you may know are not so great. Yet I believe one needs to experience and feel the consequence in order to find there own truth. All the best.

: )

AUTHOR

SEM Pro

9 years agofrom North America

And thank you for such a well thought out response I*n*v*i*c*t*u*s. I too feel it is a blessing to be able to grow from each other. Tough call when it's your child who wants to stubbornly remain on an isolated rock. For some reason there's a sense of responsibility to help them on their path to greater "light", compassion or understanding. I will take your insight to heart. Her choices are no longer mine to feel responsible for.

I*n*v*i*c*t*u*s

9 years ago

Wow! This is a instense hub to digest! Great insights and arguements! I personally do not think a person is defined through what has transpired in there life. Life seems to toss in curve balls even if we feel we are progressing in an integral manner. Yet, also feel that triumphs through adversities are opportunities to rise to another level. Same with what could be seen as poor choices. We have opportunites to change our actions. I would not push to help one see enlightenment. That is a personal choice of each individual. What may be enlightened for me would invariably be different for another. I feel we are blessed with many opprtunities to grow from each other everyday.

I could go on forever here, yet I won't. Thank you for such a well thought and written topic. : )

AUTHOR

SEM Pro

9 years agofrom North America

Profound response James! So you're saying we're responsible for searching for and discovering the truth, but that doesn't mean we should live by it?

In other words, our quest for integrity is mythical and we ought to simply accept that we'll always miss the mark anyway?

James A Watkins

9 years agofrom Chicago

I believe there is Absolute Truth, which we should strongly desire to discover. Gravity is an absolute truth. The Laws of Gravity cannot be true and false at the same time. None of us will ever know all the truth, but that is no excuse to abandon the search to discover as much of it as we are able.

I think the heart of your question seems to be related to the difference between knowing the truth and living it; and whether exposing one's foibles will somehow make them freer. I don't see how. Anyone knows it is wrong to steal but most have taken something they shouldn't have when they knew it was wrong. But this in no way negates the truth that it is wrong to steal. This confirms the truth that human beings always miss the mark, no matter what they know.

AUTHOR

SEM Pro

9 years agofrom North America

Now there's a true "absolute truth" guage roseflr. Great point of view. Does that make it easier for you to "walk a mile in another's shoes"? And if someone acts in a way you may deem harmful, do you walk away or share what you see and try to "enlighten" them to work it out or see if you may have misinterpreted?

roseflr

9 years agofrom PITTSBURGH

This article certainly contains a lot to think about. As for my past mistakes, I hid certain things for a long time until I realized the truth of Maya Angelou's statement, which roughly quoted, goes: I did the best I could at the time, and when I knew better, I did better."

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